Under Construction; Part II

I'm working on a new layout for the blog, so bear with me. If you're interested in doing a link exchange with me, please tell me in the comments below :]

The airport dilemma.

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time getting dressed for the airport. It's so hard to dress comfortably and stylishly at the same time. It's been niggling at me for days now to try to figure out what I need to start wearing. Here's what I've come up with.


I usually wear an old band t-shirt and a hoody, with sneakers to the airport. And I always feel self conscious because I look like a boy. I hate airports, they're so stressful. And the last thing you need is an uncomfortable outfit adding to that. So, a pair of loose, khaki trousers that won't wrinkle too easily (not that I've tested the Stella ones or anything) and a comfy tank are a recipe for success.
A blazer is one of the most comfortable jackets going. Maybe not this particular one, considering it probably weighs quite a lot, but most people don't own a Givenchy blazer.
Shoes are always the worst part. People always suggest sandals, but in Ireland it's only really ever warm enough for them around May. And I always have to go to the airport at about 6, so you're not going to be comfortable braving the irish coldness in a pair of gladiators. So, these Doc Marten-ish boots are pretty perfect.
And of course, a big bag for carrying extra layers of clothes, different shoes if needed and all those other airport neccesities.

SHOPPING

So,no, I didn't go to the Nokia Young Fashion Designer Awards 2010 photoshoot, the weather wasn't great and I think I'm getting a cold. So, instead, me and my mum headed out to the Kildare Outlet Village for some retail therapy.
I mainly went to see the new Juicy Couture shop, which was honestly dissapointing. The interior was really cool, though. I was hoping for some Bird Couture, but there all there really was was those velour tracksuits and some velour handbags.
I adore the DKNY shop though, it's got some very good reductions on some very nice quality basic pieces.
I then headed onto Penneys in Whitewater because I couldn't afford anything in the outlet. I got a gorgeous pleather biker jacket, I'll take pictures later.
Anyway, here's what I wore;


Shorts; Penneys. Tank; Penneys. Cropped blouse; vintage. Blazer; Thrifted. Socks; ? Shoes; Penneys.
I buy too much stuff at Penneys, don't I?

So, my advice to you is if you are taking a trip to Kildare for some shopping, head to the Outlet, then go to Whitewater for some good ol' fashioned high street shopping. There's a big food court there too, which is good because you will be hungry and tired. And while you're at Whitewater, check out Tosca and The Frock Exchange. There's two second hand shops within walking distance of each other around the area which Tosca and The Frock Exchange are, and when you've finished those two, you can walk to Penneys. I am an expert at shopping, you see.

Me in a nutshell.

Blouse; Alexander McQueen. Skirt; well.... tank; South. Shoes; Penneys.

I think this outfit pretty much sums up my style. I turned a cocktail dress and a skirt inside out and let the tulle lining act as the main skirt. I really like it, but I can't say I'd wear it outside the house.


Broke out the frilly umbrella. Penneys, where else?


My dog Penny decided to get in on the action. (For the record, I didn't name her after the shop.)

Spot the dog.

Irish shopping.

Although Dublin doesn't exactly spring to mind when listing off the best places to shop, you can be really surprised at what you find when you look hard enough. I have not been shopping for too many years, but I think I have a pretty wide knowledge of the shops in Dublin and the surrounding area.
I have discovered so many gems over the years, it will be impossible to list them all, but I'll share my favorite places with you.



BROWN THOMAS

If, like me, you're one of those tacky tourists who always makes it her first priority to have a snoop around an expensive shop, then Brown Thomas, or as we natives tend to nickname it, BTS is for you.
Have a craving for some McQueen? Some Vera Wang bridal? LV? Chanel? Celine? Are you dieing for that feeling when you see something so beautiful that your heart starts beating really fast and your hands move without your brain's approval? Then head down to Brown Thomas. It's probably a bit out of most people's price range, but it's nice to look at, no?


BT2

Does Sacks have a separate store for the cool young kiddo? How about Harrods? Printemps? Not that I know of, anyway. Brown Thomas has made another store, this one stocking the more affordable but still pretty luxe items. Head in here for See by Chloe, Juicy Couture, 3,1 Philip Lim, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Diane Von Furstenburg and various other cheap/diffusion labels. You are more likely to score a bargain here than in the regular BT, and they also carry MAC there too. Does it get any better?


COVET

Oh dear. If I could have one wish, it would probably be to come in here and play dress up. They have an amazing selection of just about everything, from vintage to Chanel, and it's all for rent! I wish I had some sort of fancy Gala, I'd come in here and dress up and have a ball. The only drawback is that I'd have to give it back. Oh well, it's better than nothing, right?


TOSCA
Unfortunately, Tosca doesn't have a website so I don't have any pictures, but this place is probably one of my favorite shops. Unlike a lot of the others I have listed, this shop is not located in the center of Dublin, but in Kildare.(there's plenty of other shopping to do here, ladies, no worries.)
Basically, Tosca is like a consignment store. With tonnes of second hand designer clobber, and some really special unbranded bits and bobs too, it's a definite must see. And if you're from around the area, pop in once in a while and check back. Last time I was there they had the most adorable vintage Chanel bag, which sent my heart in flutters. Tosca, I give you my love!

PENNEYS
If you've read my blog before, you know I am a Penneys addict. It's probably the irish answer to Forever 21, just, in my opinion, a lot better. I never get tired of this place. If you're not English or Irish, and are planning on coming over to Eire for a while, you need to come to Penneys. And you won't have any trouble locating one, because they're all over the country. Literally.

KILDARE OUTLET VILLAGE
Another Kildare gem. Probably the best outlet in the country, this place is your go to area for reductions on Juicy Couture(!), 7 For All Mankind(!!), LK Bennet, Balley, Anya Hindmarch, Jaeger, DKNY, Calvein Klein undies, and many more. Need I say more?

Underwear as Outerwear.

This, in my eyes, is definately the hardest trend to pull off for the summer. But all hope is not lost. There are ways of looking like you're wearing your bra without really wearing your bra. Yep, it's a tromp de l'oeil, and it's going to become your best friend this summer.



This shirt from the lovely ASOS really gives the illusion of a bra with a supersized belt. It's not though. It's a tank, and it looks comfy, versatile and expensive. And at £35, it won't break the bank either.



Of course, Miu Miu. For me, it was Dior Couture that set this trend, but when translated into their RTW it just didn't work. It just wasn't wearable, it was too much like literal undwear. But, Miuccia worked it into something totally wearable, and so luxe. Words cannot describe how much I loved that collection. Maybe the latest Miu Miu collection didn't quite live up, but there were still some nice bits.



HOT. This dress from NastyGal totally screams glamour and sexyness. Dressed up or down, it's perfect and totally nails this trend, while still having a kind of timeless quality about it. I can see this being worn in a few years with whatever new, spangly jacket and boots are in trend then and looking amazing.




The man behind one of the most perfect bags in the world(DINNASAWWRS), Giles Deacon has created this very pretty little piece for New Look. The detailing is pretty amazing, everything is done completely out of sequins. And, of course, the cut out detail is band on trend. For £65, it's very reasonable, but it won't hang around for long, so get yours while you can.

HOLIDAYS and GOOD NEWS

Even though the weather is typically Irish(horrible), I am feeling ever so summery. I always end up packing waay too much stuff, so I decided to create a capsule suitecase, if you will, for inspiration for myself.



I would pack;
.2 pairs of pants for the aeroplane and those chillier days
.2 pairs of shorts because they are oh-so chic and versatile.
.1 skirt because it is so damn beautiful.
.3 pairs of shoes because, well, they are neccesary. In reality you probably need something a little more reliable, such as /ugh/sneakers.
.4 t-shirts/tanks/bra things because they are comfy and can be dressed up so many ways.
.1 fierce leather jacket for the colder days/airport.
.1 stunning, bold dress by McQueen for formal evenings, and for possibly dressing down with sandals and a nice headband.
.2 gorgeous bags. Chanel because it can go from day to night so easily, Balenciaga because you can toss all your stuff in it for the airport, and use it when you actually get there for those days when you need a jacket there just in case. Just pray the studs don't set off the metal detector.

And I am hopefully going to be heading to the Nokia Young Designer Awards on the weekend. I'll take pictures and put them up after.